School and Community Fall 2023

mused. “They just have this magical expression on their face that only a teacher would understand.” South Central Region T racy Walker (Rolla Public Schools) embarked on her teaching career following the birth of her first child, and she has since cherished the profession for a remarkable 26 years. “I had so much fun teaching him new things and watching him learn that I decided I wanted to teach other kids too,” Walker said. “Fortunately, I found a fantastic mentor during my very first practicum requirement and spent all my free time volunteering in her class to learn from her for three years prior to getting my very own second grade classroom.” This invaluable experience not only gave Walker a solid foundation in curriculum knowledge but also helped her navigate the intricacies of dealing with diverse student and parent personalities. “My greatest struggle for at least the first five years of teaching was behavioral management,” she admitted. “I tried colored cards, tally marks, sticker charts, rewards and consequences, etc. All were difficult to keep up with and, for me, didn’t really work... Until I realized that the students with whom I had the most success were the students and parents that I had built strong relationships with.” Because of this, Walker makes a point to get to know all of the parents and keeps in close contact with them. She has also always emphasized the importance of making students feel safe and cared for in the classroom. “It’s amazing how hard children will work to please when they feel loved,” Walker stated. “I don’t have behavior charts anymore; I set clear expectations and express how happy my heart is when they strive to meet those expectations. Not every day goes smoothly and when we hit rocky roads, we stop, talk about it and make adjustments. Sometimes it takes some tough love, but throughout it all my kids know they are loved and valued.” Walker’s teaching journey has been diverse, encompassing grade levels from first through eighth and sometimes incorporating split classes. She has found enjoyment in every grade level she has taught,

appreciating the unique aspects of each. “My teaching style is definitely rooted in Kegan’s theory of learning and development,” she said. “Because of that, it’s almost always a bit noisy in my classroom with a lot of activity but it works, and the children learn so much by sharing and exploring concepts together. It’s really fun to watch and facilitate. It doesn’t really matter what grade level you are teaching - when students are learning, it’s the best feeling in the world!” To keep the gears on the classroom running, Walker emphasizes the importance of being well-prepared, as a structured environment can prevent many potential issues. “There is no better place for Murphy’s Law to come into play than in a classroom full of children,” she emphasized. “Make connections and build relationships with your teaching team and administrators. It really does take a village to make sure every child’s needs are met. Someone you teach with has gone through the very same challenges you are facing and would love to share their knowledge.” Walker also encourages new teachers to join a professional organization for resources, support and opportunities for growth. “I was encouraged by my mentor to join S-MSTA as a student - I loved it and became very involved with the organization,” she detailed. “I was even honored with the S-MSTA Officer of the Year Award during my term as president while attending Drury University. After I became a professional educator, joining MSTA was at the top of my must-do list. You get solid reassurance that you are backed by an organization that really cares about you and about education. The liability insurance and legal advice is without a doubt necessary, remember Murphy’s Law?” Through becoming involved in her local CTA and serving in various capacities including president, Walker says that she has been able to connect with incredible individuals and build lifelong friendships.

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